I'm getting into woodworking and need a bandsaw mainly for making curved cuts in wood up to about 3-4 inches thick, with most cuts being around 2 inches or less. My setup is mobile, as I often move my tools outside, so I need something lightweight. I've noticed that many recommendations lean towards larger saws (14 inches plus) that are better for resawing, but my focus is purely on curve cutting. I want to buy a quality bandsaw that can handle up to 2 inches of thickness comfortably, maybe 3.5 inches for occasional hardwood. I've seen a few 12-inch saws with decent motors that aren't too heavy, and a couple of heavier 14-inch options that might work. Can a 10-inch bandsaw with a 1/3 hp motor be effective for this purpose, especially if I get a higher-quality blade? I'm trying to avoid the cheaper tools I've accumulated in the past and want to invest in something that does the job right!
2 Answers
I think a 10-inch bandsaw with a 1/3 hp motor might struggle a bit for what you want. However, if you go for something like a Rikon 10-3061, which has a half-horsepower motor, you’ll be able to handle up to 3.5 inches in hardwood, especially if you take your time with the cuts. Heavier saws tend to perform better due to reduced vibrations, giving you smoother cuts overall, which is more important when making curves.
It sounds like you might be better off looking for a bandsaw that has a bit more power. A bigger, more powerful scroll saw might actually serve your needs well for the curved cuts you want. I’d recommend checking out the Bauer bandsaw from Harbor Freight; it’s 14 inches with a 1hp motor, but I get that it might be on the heavier side. Just remember, a 1hp motor will make cutting through wood much smoother and be less prone to stress, potentially lasting longer. Sometimes, going a bit heavier is just what you need for better results!
Totally agree! Rikon saws are solid choices, and even their 10-305 is great for chairmaking and can handle thicker stuff if you swap out the blade. It's got the power you might need without weighing you down too much!